“We want to congratulate these organizations for demonstrating innovative and carefully considered wellness programs that make a huge difference to employees, especially when it comes to fitness, nutrition, learning and healthier habits,” said David Patchell-Evans, founder and chief executive officer of Goodlife.

“The goal is to recognize notable organizations like CGI, Devon and the Manitoba Teachers’ Society so others can learn and adopt similar practices, leading to a healthier and more productive Canadian population.”

CGI, a global information technology company headquartered in Montreal, delivers a wellness program called Oxygen that reaches 68,000 employees worldwide through an online health portal. For global employees, its range of initiates includes an annual Walk Around the World event in which thousands of employees walk 30 minutes on the same day.

Canadian employees have access to mental wellness programs in collaboration with the organization’s employee assistance program, as well as access to onsite wellness coordinators, lifestyle management programs, health challenges, fitness classes and more.

As part of its corporate wellness strategy, Devon Energy invested in The Well, a 15,000-square-foot wellness and fitness facility, located in its Calgary office. The facility incorporates wearable devices into its programs, including Fitbit trackers for activity, hydration and sleep challenges, and heart-rate monitors as part of a mindfulness program.

To ensure its health and wellness initiatives meet employees’ interests and needs, the organization regularly reaches out for feedback and has a team of 60 “Well Beings,” ambassadors who actively promote programs to their colleagues.

Manitoba Teachers’ Society has a wellness program called Balance, which is based on teacher input and strives to help teachers manage the stress of their day-to-day jobs, as well as find time to take care of themselves. Initiatives include chair massages, smoothie delivery, a regular magazine. and learning opportunities on a range of health and wellness topics.

“As a union and a member service organization, we have always cared about the professional well-being of our members but, it is also important that we turn our minds to supporting the mental and physical needs of our members,” said Bobbi Taillefer, general secretary of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society. “At MTS, we want to make sure that irrespective of where you work and the conditions under which you work that you have the resources to support your professional life as well as your personal life.”